1. (Goals + Plans = Success)
Scenarios for Application and Discussion
Prepared by Michele Jersak, Century College Counselor and MnSCU GPS LifePlan Coordinator

2. Program Components www.gpslifeplan.org Website eFolio
Campus Activities
Curriculum Integration
Student Success Day
Student-Faculty Interaction
Emphasize that this is a comprehensive program that includes both online and in-person components. The website was designed to be a resources for faculty, including counselors, and staff to use in their work with students as well as to provide guidance to a student user to work on their own.

6. Scenario 1 – Claire K. Displaced homemaker after 15 years of marriage
Location: Metropolitan Area, MN
Age: 35
Previous education: GED and 10 semester credits earned in her early 20’s
Dependents: Son (6 yrs)
Transition Needs:
Situational
Readjust to a new budget
Determine resources to finance education
Seek funding for after school day care
Needs more affordable housing and transportation
Requires legal resources for pursuing child support
Scenarios – imagine this student came to you. This is how the GPS LifePlan can help in their given situation.
Educational and Career
Assess how her interests, values, skills, and personality align with various fields
Explore labor market needs and job opportunities in the Metro Area
Research which education programs prepare her for the chosen career path
Determine how previous credit applies toward her chosen education path

7. GPS LifePlan Resources for Claire
CareerPlan: Career assessments
CareerPlan: Career exploration
CareerPlan: Exploring education options
EducationPlan: Determining education goals
EducationPlan: Transfer information for credit review
EducationPlan: Time management
FinancePlan: Create a budget
FinancePlan: Financing options for her education
LeadershipPlan: Leadership style assessment
PersonalPlan: Child care options
PersonalPlan: Housing resources
PersonalPlan: Legal resources

8. Scenario 2 – Danny T. U.S. Army Veteran (Five Years Service)
Location: St. Cloud
Age: 28
Previous education: High school diploma and military training
Dependent: Spouse and Daughters (2 and 5 yrs)
Transition Needs:
Situational
Returned from service working as automotive production supervisor past 4 years
Currently laid off, has wife, two children, and mortgage – needs retraining
Eligible for unemployment benefits and has severance package
Severance package includes 6 months training benefit
Needs to explore other state, federal, and VA displaced worker/training programs
Educational and Career
Investigate what and where are the job opportunities in the St. Cloud area
Explore educational programs closely related to his military/professional experience
Determine where to get maximum education credit for military/professional work
Struggles with test anxiety – needs to explore strategies

9. GPS LifePlan Resources for Danny
CareerPlan: Career networking
CareerPlan: Training options
CareerPlan: Exploring education options
EducationPlan: Determining education goals
EducationPlan: Transfer information for credit review
EducationPlan: Test preparation and anxiety
FinancePlan: Veteran’s benefits
FinancePlan: Seeking financial help
LeadershipPlan: Leadership philosophy
PersonalPlan: Grief and loss
PersonalPlan: Managing stress
PersonalPlan: Change and resiliency

10. Scenario 3 – Sonja S. First semester student
Location: Duluth, originally from St. Paul
Age: 18
Previous education: Recent high school graduate
Dependent: None
Transition Needs:
Situational
Having roommate difficulties
Has many questions about relationships
Has been feeling lethargic and unmotivated after the first 10 weeks of the term
Parents financial situation has changed and so she needs to find a PT job
Feeling home sick and missing her hometown community
Educational and Career
Is undecided – needs to learn more about herself and explore her options
Decide which classes to take next semester even though she is undecided
Struggling with her academics, needs to learn more about academic support, learning styles, and study skills

11. GPS LifePlan Resources for Sonja S.
CareerPlan: Exploring education options
CareerPlan: Job postings
CareerPlan: Resume and interviewing
EducationPlan: Determining education goals
EducationPlan: Study skills and strategies
EducationPlan: Learning styles assessment
FinancePlan: Financial aid
FinancePlan: Tax related benefits
LeadershipPlan: Campus involvement
PersonalPlan: Roommate tips
PersonalPlan: Managing stress
PersonalPlan: Depression screening test

12. Scenario 4 – Stephen College Athlete: Transfer student Age: 21
Previous education: High Diploma and has transfer credits for three other schools
Transition Needs:
Situational
From Bemidji originally and was recruited to out-of-state university on an athletic scholarship – did not like being out of state
Completed some online courses, struggled but wants to take more
Needs to seek resources to finance education
Undecided in career and major
In a serious relationship but having difficulties
Would like to further develop leadership skills – enjoys leadership roles
Educational and Career
Assess how his interests, values, skills, and personality align with various fields
Research which education programs prepare his for the chosen career path
Determine how previous transfer credits applies towards chosen degree

13. GPS LifePlan Resources for Stephen
CareerPlan: Career networking
CareerPlan: Exploring education options
EducationPlan: Determining education goals
EducationPlan: Transfer information for credit review
EducationPlan: Online Learning Skills
FinancePlan: Financial Aid
FinancePlan: Scholarships
LeadershipPlan: Leadership philosophy
LeadershipPlan: Leadership resources
PersonalPlan: Managing stress
PersonalPlan: Personal relationships
PersonalPlan: Change and resiliency

14. Small Group Discussion
How might you use the GPS LifePlan in the work you do with students or others?

15. Small Group Discussion
How might the GPS LifePlan be used on an institution or organizational level to better serve the needs of your students or clients?

16. Small Group Discussion
What resources (staff, finances, services, programs, etc.) could be leveraged at your institution or organization to support the use of this program?

17. Thank you for your participation!